Hi Lin,
This sounds like a chemotherapy pump(?) that delivers additional drugs over a set amount and period of time after the initial treatment in the hospital or clinic. The chemo nurse will set this up and explain how it works and what you need to know.
As to your anxiety, have you spoken with any of the social workers at the hospital or anyone else to help manage your anxiety? Sometimes getting your concerns/feelings heard is enough to help relieve those symptoms. As to medications, always best to consult your medical professionals for advice.
Keep well
ACH2015
@Linw I'm not familiar with this type of chemo, as my fiance had a treatment regime. But anxiety I am certainly familiar with. The social worker at the cancer center can help, as well as your family doctor. There are some free on line cognitive behavioral therapy groups..(I will look those up for you) and I'm reading a book called ‘the anxiety workbook edition 7’. Deep breathing, meditation and being in the moment sometimes help…but I found I needed guidance with those things….because it doesnt come easy to me. Confide your feelings in someone you trust that can talk you down might help. I will look up breathing exercises for you as well. . As for meds, best to consult with a doctor or pharmacist. They will better know what to take and what side effects you will have. Ill get back to you soon.
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@Linw - I remember how anxious I was when my son had his first chemo treatment. It gets so much easier after the first one because you both know what to expect.
I had to organize and give his meds to him and there were some that were to be taken an hour before chemo to help with the side effects like nausea. Try to ensure your husband takes all meds within the time frames they are supposed to be taken because it makes a difference. Chemo was not as bad as we thought it would be for us.
I had started my antidepressant about 6 mths before his diagnosis and luckily for me it worked well. I did have to increase it when he was diagnosed though. It also helps with my anxiety. It is not uncommon for people to have to try more than one antidepressant to find one that works.
When my mother died I did have a prescription for an anti-anxiety (Ativan) to take when needed and a sleeping medication (Zopiclone) because I could not sleep and had to work. Again that was taken as needed.
I have allergies to wasps etc and would use the Benadryl when I was in high stress situations to calm my anxiety.
Self care, support groups and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction classes were also needed and were helpful before cancer was a concern in my family.
This program for caregivers below was the most helpful for me.
https://ontariocaregiver.ca/scale-program/
So sorry you have to go through this journey but know that you will be ok as difficult as it is. You are not alone.
Warm hugs
Thank you for your support. i too have had cancer touch my life many times in my 64 years. I’ve always thought I was a very strong person. I’ve been through a lot in my life but this has taken the wind out of me. I’m trying to find something to help me sleep as well as something to help with my anxiety so far I haven’t had much luck with what I’ve tried. I can’t even imagine my child dealing with horrible disease. My thoughts and prayers are with you as well during your difficult journey. Hugs to you too.
@Linw
My husband had chemo with one drug given at hospital and the second drug was infused over 48 hours and he wore the bottle in a sling they gave him at the hospital. He could wear the sling over his neck or attached to his belt. When the 48 hours were over the nurse came to the house and disconnected him. It really didn’t stop him from doing anything he wanted. The only thing we discovered was that if it was really cold outside he had to keep the bottle in his pocket or wrapped Up because the cold slowed down the infusion.
Once this appointment is over, though, you’ll know the routine better, and I’m confident you won’t find it to be as bad.
For your husband, make sure he’s got lots of water in him: the days before the infusion, it helps the veins stand up nice and high to receive the IV, the day (s) of chemo it helps to get the medication flowing through the body, and the days after chemo it helps to flush the meds out of his system so his body can prepare for the next round. His chemo will be hooked up so that the nurses can give him bathroom breaks. He also needs to follow the bathroom protocols given out by his doctors.
For you: breathe. Deeply and often. I get how scary today is for you, and I’m living proof that you can get through it. Remember that your husband is getting everything he needs to fight his disease.